Phil Preston has shared his experience of taking part in research at UHCW during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In February, 2020, Phil was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile ducts (the thin tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine).
Due to his previous medical history, he was told his cancer was inoperable. At this point Phil’s cancer was 13.5cm in diameter and growing at 2.5mm a month.
Phil was told about two clinical trials running at UHCW which he could take part in. After discussions with his consultant, he decided to take part in one and in December, 2020, started receiving a new medication.
During a time where the rest of the country was moving between a tier system and national lockdown, Phil was attending weekly appointments at the Clinical Research Treatment Centre at University Hospital, Coventry, and also regularly visiting the Eye Clinic at Hospital of St Cross in Rugby as part of the trial.
Since starting the trial medication, scans show Phil’s tumour has shrunk 3.7cm, which Phil's consultant said was really encouraging.
When asked how he felt about visiting UHCW during the pandemic, Phil said: “It has been a rollercoaster but I’ve always felt very safe and never worried about coming into hospital.”
Senior Nurse Rachel Bazeley manages the Clinical Research Treatment Centre and, along with her team, has been treating research patients like Phil throughout the pandemic.
She said: “It has been an extremely challenging time but we were keen to ensure patients like Phil could still be given the opportunity to take part in research.
“All patients were tested for Covid before coming into the unit and we ensured social distancing was maintained.”
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever, loss of taste or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test.
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
April 2020 NEW - This Clinic is now by appointment. Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above.
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.